Finally gonna travel... tips?

[JKane]

So I'm reaching my vacation cap next month and things have finally aligned that I can finally travel.  

I've been lurking the Europe and South American forums here forever.  I don't have a strong opinion on destination.

Ideally I'd love to find a great last-minute type of deal.  Not cheap--just a good deal.  

Especially open to Columbia, Brazil, Mexico City (or other interesting parts of Mexico), London/UK, Amsterdam, etc.  

Someplace fun for us hobbyists but also easy to setup and good for a newbie to also actually see/experience the country(ies) in question.  No interest in tourist-trap areas like Cancun or Bahamas.  

 

Sorry it's so vague.  I've put it off so long and now I'm just like is there an easy button to just do it, whatever it is!?  So also open agent recommendations/etc.  

Have a passport, probably leaving from LAX.  

 

Over the years I've read thousands of threads in South of the America's/Europe forums but feel free to remind of any that are particularly good for what I'm asking about.  

 

 

[unicorn]

1 hour ago, JKane said:

...Especially open to Columbia, Brazil, Mexico City (or other interesting parts of Mexico), London/UK, Amsterdam, etc.  

... No interest in tourist-trap areas...

Sorry it's so vague....

Well, you are being too vague for someone to give you good advice. You need to describe what your primary goals are, what's important for you to avoid (other than "tourist traps"), what month you'd like to travel, and so on. Also one needs to have a better idea of budget, other than being "not cheap." You mention an interest in London and Amsterdam, but those are areas with throngs of tourists (Mexico City is pretty heavily touristed as well). You also mentioned Colombia (I'm assuming you meant Colombia, and not the District of Columbia). Were you aware that the State Department lists the country as Level 3 "Reconsider Travel"? That's probably not the place I'd recommend for an infrequent traveler. In all of South America, only Venezuela is considered more dangerous (Level 4 "Do Not Travel"), and only Guyana is considered as dangerous. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html

I've traveled 85% of countries in the Western Hemisphere, all 50 states, all Canadian provinces (including all provincial capitals), and every European country except Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Malta, and Moldova, over a dozen Asian countries, and half a dozen African countries. My favorite non-US country to visit is Switzerland (where I've visited every Canton over some 7-8 visits), but it's definitely NOT cheap. 

I've never gone on a vacation primarily to find sex/escorts, but such places include Puerto Vallarta (close and easy to get to from LAX), Rio de Janeiro, and parts of Thailand. That being said, if you live in or near LA, there are tons of escorts to choose from, so I don't think you'd need to travel for that. Also, all of those places (PV, Rio, Thailand) are heavily touristed. If you tell us in more detail what you're looking for, you can get better advice. 

[JKane]

I am aiming to travel in May.  

I like to walk around cities, see the major sites and the interesting ones.  Not much of a beach bum.  Whiskey and cigar are a fun evening (prefer other fun in the morning...).  

I'm aware of the reputation of Colombia and Brazil, but have also read many accounts (here and predecessor sites, and talked in-person to several aficionados -- is Tomcal still kicking?) of people quite enjoying them with few bad experiences.  I'm rather tall and aware of my surroundings so not too worried, but at the same time it is a starter trip.  

Budget of say $3000 but plus or minus.  Maybe Europe proper can wait 'till off-season or a special deal.  Greece or similar places the dollar goes further work too.  But I do have a thing for latin twinks...  Working boys are indeed everywhere so someplace fun to experience is just as important to me.  

 

[unicorn]

Well, I found a R/T on Iberia (can also get credit on American if you have an account with them) nonstop LAX to Madrid from $1374 including both carry-one and checked luggage (if you have no checked luggage, you can get an even lower fare) for May 14 to 24. You visit a lot of Spanish cities in that time. You could keep your costs near $3000 if you stay in more basic accommodations. May is beautiful in Spain. Sun's up until 10 PM. That would be my choice. You could easily go to Barcelona as well, for example. Spanish trains are excellent and quite fast. Bonus is that although the weather is pretty much as good as it gets, it's not the most crowded time of year.

Your outbound flight

14may

17:50

LAX

direct

11h 5min.

13:55

MAD

+1 day

CABINTurista

FAREÓptima

651$

Your return flight 24 may 2024Select another flight

12:40MAD

DIRECT 12h 25min.

16:05LAX

Operated by:

 Details

Turista605$

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Básica 

605$

• Equipaje de manoIncluida 1 pieza hasta 10 kg (56x40x25cm).

• ComidaIncluida.

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Óptima 

705$

• Equipaje de manoIncluida 1 pieza hasta 10 kg (56x40x25cm).

• Equipaje en bodegaIncluida 1 pieza hasta 23 kg y 158 cm.

• ComidaIncluida.

• Selección de asientoGratuita desde 24h antes del vuelo.

• CambiosPermitido sin coste, salvo excepciones.

Travel more comfortably

 

Confort 

750$

• Equipaje de manoIncluida 1 pieza hasta 10 kg (56x40x25cm).

• Equipaje en bodegaIncluida 1 pieza hasta 23 kg y 158 cm.

• ComidaIncluida.

• Asiento delanteroIncluido.

• Prioridad de EmbarqueIncluido (Grupo 2).

• CambiosPermitido sin coste, salvo excepciones.

Turista Premium1.340$

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Business Class4.288$

 

You can also add a voucher refund to your fare so you don't need to worry if anything unexpected happens. Add it later as an extra.

Total price

1.374,00$

[unicorn]

57 minutes ago, JKane said:

...I'm aware of the reputation of Colombia and Brazil...

Unlike the petty crime (street muggings) in Brazil, the crimes in Colombia can be much more serious, which is why the country is rated Level 3, unlike Brazil's Level 2. The only Level 3 country I've ever visited, to my recollection, is Egypt, and that's because the sights there are unique. I would advise avoiding Colombia, except perhaps on an escorted tour. My only visit to Colombia was on a cruise ship tour of Cartagena. I won't be traveling to Venezuela, Colombia, or Guyana unless the situations there improve. 

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

[JKane]

So I looked up an itinerary on aa.com that was 12 days, mostly business class flights, nice suite in Medellin for $2k!  

And then I looked at the US State Department website...  Damn.  Guess I'm going to Kazakhstan (one of few non-elevated caution countries)!  Surprised Argentina is pretty clear, given what sounds like active economic collapse (but also that's a Tuesday in Argentina, right?), but haven't seen much to recommend it otherwise.  

Currently looking at European river cruise option maybe starting with a few extra days in Amsterdam.  

[Riobard]

Who really wants to enter robust pushback against travel advisories, as safety cannot be guaranteed? All I can share is that my post-pandemic trip to Medellín and DIY side excursion to Guatapé was a very positive experience. Easy to get to major arts/culture venues by Metro or walking. Great food. Well-heeled locals milling about. Stays in Poblado and Estadio/Laureles in unexpectedly upscale surroundings. My only comment would be that 12 days is a bit long and in that time period I combined Medellín (gateway location) with a trip to Bogotá via Satena Air. 

That said, I would personally likely prefer a European river cruise over a return to Medellín, if hires were to be out of the equation, because I prefer novelty to retracing sightseeing steps.

[floridarob]

22 hours ago, JKane said:

Especially open to Columbia, Brazil, Mexico City

Columbia...Stop that!!, lol

All 3 are more expensive than before, inflation has grabbed a hold everywhere. However, still a bargain. 

Brasil has a more organized whore scene because of the saunas and now the visa has been pushed back another year, which simplifies things. However a longer (pricier?) flight, especially for biz.

I'm just back from Colombia and going back in May, because of booking error with a friend that I just went with....but flights from Mexico (where I live) are cheap, wasn't a big mistake,

Look at Copa airlines flights, generally have good fares and even in economy, is ok....I've never had a bad experience with them, except their call center.

I'd split up Bogota and Medellin, inter country flights are cheap $13-70 usd 1 way. Buy an open jaw ticket from LAX to MDE and from Bog to LAX...I'd fly to MDE 1st, fewer international flights than Bogota and a lesser chance to be stuck in a HUGE immigration line, my strategy after getting stuck in a 2hr immigration line last year Bogota. Guys asking $15-100usd, most in the $30-50 usd range

Mexico city is always fun, tons of guys on Grindr and Mileroticos ...Hilton across from Bellas Artes is the only hotel in the city that wouldn't let me bring a guest....

Brasil is almost always awesome, but when rio is busy SP is meh and vice versa...so chose wisely.


Do you speak SPanish or Portuguese?
You top or bottom...into twinks, hairy, brown, black, white.....can give better advice with a little more info 😉

[unicorn]

1 hour ago, Riobard said:

... likely prefer a European river cruise ...

Any European river cruise is clearly out of budget range for someone with only $3000 or so to spend. I feel Colombia is tough for an infrequent traveler. That being said, I see business fares on American Airlines for around $1200, so if he wants to travel business class but still keep costs to around $3000, it could be done. It looks as though Brazil has decided to forgo requiring visas for at least another year from US/Canadian/Australian citizens. Wise decision for them, since reinstating visa requirements would significantly reduce tourism income.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/brazil-postpones-visa-requirements-us-canada-australia-time-109086597

"...Brazil’s government has extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday...".. 

 

[Riobard]

32 minutes ago, unicorn said:

Any European river cruise is clearly out of budget range for someone with only $3000 or so to spend. 

For sure, and water ration packages charged extra to boot.

 

[Marc in Calif]

On 4/11/2024 at 1:03 PM, JKane said:

 I'm rather tall and aware of my surroundings so not too worried....  

This is actually an impediment to your safety.

You don't want to stand out in a crowd in areas where crime is very high (compared to where you live).

[Polit]

Mexico City is a great place to start and see what you like - lots of gay bars, opportunities etc and you could tag on Oaxaca or Zipolite for the gay scene as somewhere the throngs of tourists are not yet destroying.

[unicorn]

Another not too expensive idea is a tour I've always wanted to do, a road trip in central west Mexico, taking in

San Miguel de Allende

Guanajuato

Queretaro

Patzcuaro

Zacatecas

ending in Guadalajara/Tequila

[Mavica]

On 4/11/2024 at 2:45 PM, JKane said:

it's so vague.  I've put it off so long and now I'm just like is there an easy button to just do it, whatever it is!?  So also open agent recommendations/etc.  

Have a passport, probably leaving from LAX.  

Mexico will be the least expensive to visit, given your departure point.  We're entering the Summer travel season when airfares, typically, are higher.  

Certainly, a lot of culture and things to see / do in Mexico ... especially so if you speak Spanish.  Last week I returned from 10-days travel in Mexico.  However, unless you're on the youngish side of life and/or aren't too picky with escorts that may be available ... I don't think Mexico is a good place for sexcapades (I'm 70+).

I don't think we know what kind / types of guys you are attracted to - if there is a specific type - or your age.  When I think of a trip where I can have the opportunity for cultural adventures mixed with plentiful opportunities for sex - at my age - I immediately think of these three destinations (departing from Florida):  Brazil, Colombia and to a lesser extent (culturally) the Dominican Republic.

[floridarob]

1 hour ago, Mavica said:

Mexico will be the least expensive to visit,

Peso is 16.70 to 1 USD////

Peso is stronger and nothing has decreased in price....so not getting nearly as much for the dollar as before, peso was 16.40 the other day and supposedly going to get stronger....

[Mavica]

7 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Peso is 16.70 to 1 USD////

Peso is stronger and nothing has decreased in price....so not getting nearly as much for the dollar as before, peso was 16.40 the other day and supposedly going to get stronger....

Yes.  However, traveling from the USA - airfares are less to Mexico from LA, hotels can be reasonably priced ... and meals are a bargain IMO.  Now, you can travel first-class and pay a premium.  I don't travel at that level, though.

[Keithambrose]

6 hours ago, unicorn said:

Another not too expensive idea is a tour I've always wanted to do, a road trip in central west Mexico, taking in

San Miguel de Allende

Guanajuato

Queretaro

Patzcuaro

Zacatecas

ending in Guadalajara/Tequila

Great pictures,  thanks!

[unicorn]

5 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Great pictures,  thanks!

Well, if you like that idea and really want to save money, you could fly out of Tijuana at the cross-border express terminal (park your car in the US, walk across the border to the terminal), and avoid departure taxes! Fly first-class on Aeromexico (a good airline) for $609!

Flights

1

Round-trip ticket

$568.30

Seats

TJXQRO

Round trip

1

Premier seat

Included

Trip extras

TJXQRO

1

Carry-on baggage(33.1 lb/15 kg)

Included

1

Cross Border Express (CBX) Pass

$20.00

2

Checked baggage(32 kg/70.5 lb)

Included

QROTJX

1

Carry-on baggage(33.1 lb/15 kg)

Included

1

Cross Border Express (CBX) Pass

$21.00

2

Checked baggage(32 kg/70.5 lb)

Included

Total

$609.30 USD

[Keithambrose]

7 hours ago, unicorn said:

Well, if you like that idea and really want to save money, you could fly out of Tijuana at the cross-border express terminal (park your car in the US, walk across the border to the terminal), and avoid departure taxes! Fly first-class on Aeromexico (a good airline) for $609!

Flights

 

1

Round-trip ticket

$568.30

Seats

 

TJXQRO

Round trip

1

Premier seat

Included

Trip extras

 

TJXQRO

1

Carry-on baggage(33.1 lb/15 kg)

Included

1

Cross Border Express (CBX) Pass

$20.00

2

Checked baggage(32 kg/70.5 lb)

Included

QROTJX

1

Carry-on baggage(33.1 lb/15 kg)

Included

1

Cross Border Express (CBX) Pass

$21.00

2

Checked baggage(32 kg/70.5 lb)

Included

Total

$609.30 USD

OK!

[unicorn]

This is a travel vlogger who, at the time of this video in 2022, had visited some 65 countries. The only one where he was mugged (at gunpoint and knifepoint) was Colombia. Sometimes the US State Department knows enough to give good advice... 😉 Oh, and he's really cute--he's 27, and presumably was 25 when this video was made. The story of his mugging in Colombia is about half-way through the video:

 

[floridarob]

On 4/16/2024 at 7:56 PM, unicorn said:

The only one where he was mugged (at gunpoint and knifepoint) was Colombia.

He didn't mention which city...he knew he was in a shady place, police told him to leave.....he's 25 (or27) 🙄

[JKane]

Thank you all for the great advice!  STILL haven't decided (was in Vegas for work but had a LOT of fun too (via Grindr).  

I only speak English.  I am a top and I like twinks.  

Mexico City seems the easy choice but I was just listening to a story about how horrible the water situation is there (that it's undrinkable was a given, that it's often unavailable except to the rich with cisterns was new... and that they can't maintain pressure, guess it's good nobody tries to drink it!) is a small reservation (of course with enough digging you can find a negative about anywhere). 

But it's time to shit or get off the pot.  So specific recommendations for Mexico City?  Good place to stay that's no hassle, any specific fuckable twinks, places to go for fun or worth seeing, etc.  Recommended guide?  

[unicorn]

1 hour ago, JKane said:

...Mexico City seems the easy choice but I was just listening to a story about how horrible the water situation is there (that it's undrinkable...

There are very few countries for which it's safe to drink from the tap: US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most of the EU (not all), UK, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore would be the only places I can think of off-hand. We were even advised not to drink the tap water in Qatar, and that's a pretty wealthy country. Anywhere else you use bottled water, even to brush your teeth. Water pressure won't be a problem at any hotel with at least 3* (usually). The Mexico City subway is very efficient and cheap. The gay life is centered in the Zona Rosa. When I went to MC, I stayed at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, which was one of the best hotels I've ever enjoyed, but it might be a bit pricey for your budget (and you'd have to take the metro to the ZR, or a rather long walk). If you want to be closer to the action, the Galeria Plaza Reforma is in the Zona Rosa, and you can get a nice room for $140 a night (4* hotel). I'm assuming, that as an infrequent traveler, you don't have status with any hotel chains. 

When we travel to places where I don't know the language or need help with logistics, my fiance and I have had great experiences with Tours by Locals. They charge per guide, though, not per person, so are rather pricey if traveling alone (best if 2 to 4 on the trip). If you don't like being in a big bus tour, though, it's certainly more personable and flexible. In terms of what to see, Chapultepec park is a must. Assuming you get a reasonably early start, you could visit its castle, anthropological museum, and modern art museum in one day. The anthropology museum is one of the best in the world, so I'd plan on 3 hours there. Do the national palace, cathedral, Templo Mayor, and Frida Kahlo museum on another day. Do not miss taking a day tour to Teotihuacan (usually done as a group tour), which is a world wonder. 

In terms of gay guides, you might find one on:

https://www.travelgay.com/mexico-city-gay-tours

Once you have your dates firmed up, you might want to contact an escort on your favorite website such as rentmen.eu to ask if they'd be up to being hired as a tour guide, I suppose. 

https://www.galeriaplazahotels.com.mx/en/reforma/

[unicorn]

If you have extra time, take the bus and spend 2 nights in Taxco. Executive bus travel in Mexico is very comfortable, reliable, and safe:

https://viajes.etn.com.mx/search/t-ciudad-de-mexico-central-sur/t-taxco-taxco/30-Abr-24/p/A1/departures

Note: 270 Mexican pesos is about $16 US. 

https://etn.com.mx/english/servicios-a-bordo.html

[JKane]

So looking for a deal AA.com seems to have pretty good ones...

Any huge red flags here?

$1553!

6 days leaving 4/24 (eh, may end up doing a week or two later and maybe for longer...).

Flight out connecting through DFW, first then business, flight back is direct, business.

 

Hotel sounds interesting, since beer is a hobby of mine...

Mala Vecindad Beer Hotel

 

The google reviews are around 4.2 which seems to be pretty high for the ones I checked in this price range.  Some negative mentions of the neighborhood but also that it's 1 minute from the metro.  

 

Actually sounds pretty good so far.  No idea about the area, distance to the gayborhood/etc.  But seems like a good deal.  

 

Thoughts?  Any way to know if there's a draconian guest policy?